DOMESTIC ANIMALS IN JAPAN.
JAPAN, with nearly 40,000,000 people, has only 875,000 head of cattle and 1,200,000 horses, and is without mules, swine, or sheep. We have two head of horned cattle to every three persons. The Japanese have 500 persons to each head of bovine stock. We have one horse or mule to every four persons; they have only one horse to every thirty-three persons. Of sheep they have no knowledge, as they wear no woolen clothing and eat no mutton. Swine meat is as much an abomination to them as it is to the Brahmins. The emperor rode on a wheeled carriage, and that mode of conveyance was made sacred to his use, while other people must ride in other fashions or walk. The nobility monopolized sedan chairs and horseback riding, and to the common people was left the privilege of walking. The farmers and packers on their return from markets would, however, mount their horses, but upon the appearance of one of the men-at-arms they would tumble off in all possible haste, so as to meet their superiors in their proper places, that is, on foot. Horses thus became aristocratic animals and were held in high esteem.—Chronicle.